How to Fix “Server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout” Error?

“The server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout” message indicates that one or more DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) applications are not registering within an acceptable time-frame. DCOM applications must register to act as servers, allowing other programs or machines to access their services remotely.

DCOM is a framework and set of interfaces that enable client program objects to request services from server programs remotely. It evolved from the Component Object Model (COM), facilitating communication between client and server applications on the same machine.

While a server’s failure to register with DCOM due to a timeout is common and often not worth worrying about, users usually notice this error in their Event Viewer following significant issues, such as their hard disk showing 100% usage or the absence of sound in all applications.

Identifying the precise cause of this problem can be challenging, but several scenarios are known to cause it. These include:

• Conflict or missing of credentials.
• Incorrect Firewall configuration
• Conflicting DCOM settings for the local machine and applications.

1. Run Windows Store Troubleshooter

If there is a mismatch or corruption in the Microsoft Store certificates, it may prevent proper registration and communication with DCOM. The troubleshooter identifies any inconsistency or errors with these certificates and attempts to repair them, which can fix the error and restore normal operation.

1. Press Windows key + R, type control.exe /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting, and hit Enter to access Windows Troubleshoot.
   
2. Select Additional troubleshooters.
   
3. Scroll down to Find and fix other problems, choose Windows Store Apps, and click Run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Wait for the scan to complete and then apply the suggested fixes for the Windows Store certificate.

2. Turn Off Updates from More than One Place

A thorough examination of the DCOM System logs by some users revealed that the error could be related to a specific Windows Update setting. Having “Updates from more than one place (Allow downloads from other PCs)” enabled in the Windows Update Advanced settings may cause the error. This setting might be enabled by default, depending on your initial setup.

1. Press Windows key + R, type control update, and press Enter to open the Windows Update window.
   
2. In the Windows Update window, click on Update settings, then Advanced options.
   
3. Click on Delivery Optimization.
   Note: If you do not have the Creators Update, select Choose how updates are delivered (under Choose how updates are installed).
4. Turn off the toggle next to Allow downloads from other PCs.
   
   Note: Without the Creator’s update, disable the feature under Updates from more than one place.

3. Change Startup Type of Function Discovery Resource Publication

The Function Discovery Resource Publication service is responsible for making the computer public and its resources on the network, assisting in their discovery.

Some users have resolved the error by changing the service’s startup type from Automatic to Automatic (Delayed Start).

Note: This change will not disable DCOM— it simply delays the startup of the service that may be causing the problem. DCOM timeouts often occur at startup when the system is busy initiating components. Delaying the service might resolve the issue.

1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the Services window.
   
2. Scroll down, locate Function Discovery Resource Publication, right-click it, and select Properties.
   
3. In the Properties window under the General tab, use the drop-down menu next to Startup type to select Automatic (Delayed Start).
   
4. Click on Apply

4. Disable 3rd Party Firewall

If you have a third-party firewall, consider disabling it temporarily. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved. Certain firewall settings can block DCOM server programs from sharing information.

If the problem disappears after disabling the firewall, consider using the built-in Microsoft Security firewall or choosing an alternative third-party solution.

5. Disable DCOM in Component Services

If the previous methods fail, disabling Distributed COM in Component Services might remove the error. However, this will also stop communication with components on other computers, potentially affecting your system.

Every Windows-based system is configured to enable DCOM initially. Disabling it may not be beneficial and could disrupt your system’s functionality.

Note: To disable DCOM, follow the steps below. If you encounter any issues or find that it does not help, revert the changes. Note that if DCOM is disabled on a remote computer, you will no longer be able to access it remotely to re-enable DCOM; physical access will be necessary.

1. Press Windows key + R, type comexp.msc, and hit Enter to open Component Services.
   
2. In the console tree, navigate to Component Services > Computers, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
   
3. In the My Computer Properties window, go to Default Properties, uncheck Enable Distributed COM on this computer, and click Apply to save the changes.
   

After disabling DCOM, reboot your system and check the Event Viewer for any new instances of the “server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout” error. If you notice that certain applications are affected, use the same steps to re-enable Distributed COM.